Derek Jeter’s Ankle Keeps Him Out Of Lineup, Could Miss Opening Day As Well

Derek Jeter’s ankle is continuing to give him problems, as the New York Yankees captain was forced to sit out of Tuesday’s exhibition game against the Philadelphia Phillies as a precaution.

Jeter said though the ankle remains stiff, he doesn’t think the setback on Tuesday is too big of a deal.

“I’m not concerned because I was told this was going to happen,” Jeter said. “From everything I’ve been told by the doctors, it’s normal.”

Jeter was supposed to be playing in his first road game after breaking his ankle in Game 1 of the ALCS against Detroit. He said the stiffness that kept him out of the game isn’t where he broke the ankle, but instead around it.

“I was told I’m going to feel it around the ankle because I was in a boot for so long. It takes time to strengthen. It’s normal, just have to deal with it and move on.”

Derek Jeter’s ankle seemed good to go earlier in the day. The shortstop exchanged text messages in the morning with Girardi, who was checking to see how Jeter felt. At that time, Jeter said he was fine and planning to play, but sometime before the game started he said the ankle started to feel “cranky.”

Derek Jeter’s ankle injury is part of a bad trend for the Yankees, who have also seen other stars including third baseman Alex Rodriguez sidelined with injuries. Some baseball insiders believe the aging Yankees club will have a difficult time competing this season, especially with the rising Blue Jays and Orioles in the NL East.

Derek Jeter’s ankle seemed good to go earlier in the day. The shortstop exchanged text messages in the morning with Girardi, who was checking to see how Jeter felt. At that time, Jeter said he was fine and planning to play, but sometime before the game started he said the ankle started to feel “cranky.”